Pope Francis’ Funeral Draws Massive Crowd in Rome

The funeral of Pope Francis, the first South American pope, took place in Rome, attracting an enormous turnout from global leaders and the faithful alike, marking a pivotal moment in Catholic history.

Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome following a magnificent funeral service that saw hundreds of thousands of attendees, including numerous heads of state. The beloved pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88, ending a transformative 12-year papacy. As dawn broke over Rome, diverse groups, from teenage pilgrims to religious clergy, silently filled the streets leading to the Vatican, under heightened security with over 8,000 police personnel deployed across the city.

By 08:00 local time, St. Peter's Square was teeming with mourners, including Jessica from Mexico and Cyril from the US, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness the pope's final farewell. As heads of state took their seats for the service, the air buzzed with anticipation, highlighting notable meetings between world leaders, such as US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, prior to the mass.

The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was vibrant, resonating with colorful attire and solemn hymns broadcast over loudspeakers, which occasionally competed with helicopter sounds above. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the mass, emphasizing Pope Francis' dedication to peace and humanitarian efforts. During his homily, he honored the pontiff's advocacy for immigrants and called for an end to wars, conveying messages of unity crucial for the gathered leaders.

As the funeral proceeded, attendees applauded poignant moments, including the arrival of the Pope's simple coffin. Following communion, Cardinal Re blessed the coffin with holy water and incense before the tolling of bells. After a brief mingling of world leaders, the Pope's coffin was transported through Rome in a slow procession, with an estimated 140,000 lining the streets to pay their respects as the hearse made its way to Santa Maria Maggiore.

High emotions filled the air, and many attendees reflected on the significance of witnessing such a historic moment. "It was wonderful to share this time with people from every corner of the world," expressed Grazia from Sardinia. The day concluded without major incidents, highlighting the successful orchestration of a solemn farewell.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the conclave that will determine the next Pope, anticipated to start soon after the established mourning period. The upcoming selection process, with 135 cardinals participating, is expected to be both monumental and unpredictable, as discussions about the future of the papacy begin.